FRESH ideas are being sought to transform the Scala Theatre site in the city centre after the council was forced back to the drawing board over spiralling costs.
Plans for the 500-seat theatre were axed over budget constraints as Worcester City Council pulled the plug on original plans for the Scala Theatre in Angel Place.
As plans were scaled back, they are now looking to build a 300-seat venue after seeing the gap in the budget climb to £3.5 million since the start of the year.
The next steps for Worcester’s Scala arts venue are to be discussed following the decision by Worcester City Council to halt the existing plans for the proposed renovation of the Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Scala in the city centre.
Now an independent consultant, Candice Pearson, has been appointed to engage local stakeholders to discuss the next steps and encourage expressions of interest in the site.
READ MORE: Scala Theatre: Worcester News readers react to scrapped plans
READ MORE: Plan for 500-seat Scala Theatre in Worcester ditched for smaller venue
Worcester City Council was awarded funding as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to renovate these two historic buildings in Angel Street into a new 500-seat flexible theatre with complementary gallery space, as well as a café dining area.
Unfortunately, escalating costs meant that the original project could no longer be completed within budget and so the Council is seeking views from stakeholders while work continues.
The Joint Leaders of Worcester City Council, Councillors Lynn Denham and Marjory Bisset, said they want to hear from local leaders and influencers across all sectors with ideas to bring back into economic use the two buildings.
A joint statement said: “Our aim is to create a vibrant destination venue that will enrich Worcester’s cultural scene, helping to increase footfall and bring new private sector investment into the area, in turn creating employment opportunities for local people.”
Ms Pearson said: "Significant funding is available to restore these two locally iconic buildings, offering an unrivalled opportunity to enhance the cultural life, not to mention boost the local economy. I implore all dynamic teams and ambitious individuals with exciting ideas and viable business plans for how to make these buildings operational once again to join the conversation and perhaps make their dreams a reality."
As well as one-to-one meetings, interested parties and business prospects can share their views via an in-depth survey available at www.scalaworcester.co.uk, as well as attend one of three public consultation events.
Tours of the site can also be arranged, and stakeholders can express their interest by contacting Scala@cp-pr.org.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel